SC-119, 1 December 2020, Statement of the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Hami Aksoy, in Response to a Question

Republic Of Türkiye Ministry Of Foreign Affairs 01.12.2020

Question: Greece has been avoiding dialogue by using Oruç Reis research vessel as an excuse. Now that Oruç Reis has completed its activity, do you foresee any change in Greece’s position?

Response: As it is well known, from the outset Turkey has been in favor of dialogue with Greece without preconditions. In fact, although an agreement was reached with Greece to restart exploratory talks, it was not possible to set a date as Greece backed away from dialogue on the pretext that Oruç Reis was in the field.

The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources announced that Oruç Reis has completed its activities in the Eastern Mediterranean and returned to Antalya on 29 November 2020.

Turkey, as it was before, will continue to be open to dialogue without preconditions.

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